Just out of interest for my covered deck building I had this company quote their connector systems
for a 16ft X 18ft with the ridge on the 16ft run 8/12
He provided a quotation for 3 bents on 8ft centers 4" uprights and doubled 4x4's for the roof section
Ie build the frame 4x4 add a 1/4' ply shim between the eave and ridge connectors then add another 4x4 on top
giving you the frame - then run 2X8's at 12 ft centers on top of the 4x8's
This was quoted - as engineered for my snow load
I will provide a concrete connector package for
an 18 wide by 16 deep with hoops to be set on
8 ft centers with and 8/12 pitch with open ended
hips for overhang plus lag bolts, wood screws and
steel 90 degree clips to set side wall timbers.
The price for the above connector package will be
$645.00 plus shipping. When on a pallet the shipment
will weigh appx. 300 labs
http://www.allsteelshedframes.com/connectors.htm
Socket systems with slightly larger timbers is a little more expensive at 370usd /bent connectors but is based on 6x6 posts and 6x8 roof members
http://www.socketsys.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.htm#details
I have their original snow load charts if anyone needs them - only for basic area loadings though
stop press- its still on their site- just not under snow loads...
http://www.socketsys.com/pdf/snow_loads/SL_Gable_w2.pdf
This site has a few other systems for small construction projetcs mostly for domes but still some of interest
http://www.frameconnector.com/